December 9, 2013
FINDLAY, Ohio - The Bluffton University Track and Field team opened its 2013-14 campaign at the University of Findlay Oiler Open on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7. In a field of predominately Division I and II schools, the Beavers captured two event wins, set personal and school records and met the qualifying standards in several events for the HCAC Indoor Championship to be held in late February.
Sophomore Josh Edens (Westerville/Central) won the 3,000 meter race in a new school-record time of 9:08.03 and qualified for the indoor championship in the process. From the women's team, freshman vaulter Terrill Webb (Kenton) also established a new school record at 9' 8" which exceeded the qualifying height for the HCAC meet as well. Raven Wilson (Coshocton/Riverview), also a freshman, won the women's 3,000 meter race in 11:37.99.
Sophomore Nichole Peterman (Killbuck/West Holmes) placed second in the 800 meter event, posting a time of 2:32.79. Junior Jeff Parker (Bristol, Ind./Northridge) established a new PR for himself in the long jump with a measurement of 20' 7.25" which was also a conference qualifying mark. Additionally, Parker qualified for the final of the 35 pound weight throw, the only Division III athlete to do so. In the men's pole vault, freshman Tyler Davis (Sidney/Houston) cleared a new PR height of 12' 7.5".
"After a lot of hard work in the latter part of the autumn, it was good to see the team in action," said Head Coach Karen Brandt. "We are a young team, we are building a program and we have much room for growth, but we are getting the job done. Prior to my arrival, Bluffton had allowed the program to fall into decline so I am proud that in two and a half years we now have athletes in virtually every event of track and field. I am especially proud to note that we have pole vaulters on the team this year and our indoor and outdoor school record holder, Clint Dillon, as their coach. We also welcomed back thrower Jason Fisher, holder of all but one of our indoor and outdoor records, as throws coach. Coach Dillon and Coach Fisher bring an expertise to our coaching staff that will continue to enhance the quality of experience and results our athletes can expect to achieve."
The Beavers will return to competition following the semester break at Capital University on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.
-BEAVERS-